SURABHI’S ENGLISH CLASSES SIMPLE OR ADVANCED?

Good morning! My senior tells me that articles are getting more complex by the day. Since the column is meant for the people to learn simple English, I should be more lenient (moderate, easygoing) with the language, he says. Sir, I do agree with you. At the same time, Sir, as a teacher, slowly- I want my students to progress towards more advanced language. I want them to come out of the chasm (gap) between the easy going English and the English of the elite.
After two years if I don’t challenge my student readers they’ll get used to holding on to the crutches of simple and ‘safe’ English and then there shall be no advancement. Yes, I talk to my readers about literature and its mentors and yes, I do time and again bring up intricate (complex) topics related to English. But then, English is so much more than just ‘verbs and articles’. If English is a language that is dictated by the rules of ‘should and would’, it is also a language that speaks of the colours and definiteness (finality) given to it by its propagandists (people who spread a particular thing). Hence the deviation (departure) from the simpler English, Sir… Now, guys, I would like to share two mails with you. The first is almost a repetition of a mail that I’d received a few months back and so I thought of sharing it with you. The first time I’d received a similar mail, I’d been taken aback, this time round, I am just amused. The mail says: “Hello! You must have been quite a catch.” My answer to the gentleman is, “Man, why put me in the era of ‘must have been(s)’? I still am quite a catch…!” The second mail: Hello Surabhi, I appreciate your column in Ahmedabad Mirror very much. Just I want to bring this point to your notice. The meaning of the word “Entomology” is “Scientific study of insects” – that can be any insect not ‘ant’ alone as you have mentioned in your column on 28th July’s edition. Regards, End Well! I haven’t changed a word of the mail. I do accept that Entomology is the scientific study of insects and not just ants and since ants are also insects (thank god), they also become a part of this study. ‘Myrmecology’ is the ‘exclusive’ scientific study of ants. Some of the words that end with ‘cide’: 1. Homicide- To kill somebody other than one’s own self. (Different from suicide.) 2. Matricide- To kill one’s mother. 3. Patricide- To kill one’s father. 4. Fratricide- To kill one’s brother. 5. Bactericide- To kill bacteria. 6. Fungicide- Substance that kills fungi. 7. Virucide- Substance that kills viruses. 8. Germicide- Substance that kills germs. 9. Genocide- Mass killing of a particular genre or community. 10. Insecticide- A substance that kills insects. 11. Pesticide- A substance that kills pests. 12. Vermicide- A substance that kills worms. 13. Weedicide- A substance that kills/ destroys weeds. 14. Foeticide- To kill foetus or embryo. 15. Herbicide- A substance that destroys herbs (particularly unwanted ones, similar to herbicide). The words have been given by Tapan R Shah. Have a great weekend. See you on Monday. Until then, take care…